I’ve had some of my best vacations revolve around money, and they didn’t even require me to spend much. On a recent visit to Las Vegas , I had my picture taken with a $1,000,000 stack of bills in Binion’s. A visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, in Washington, D.C., was another memorable experience. Millions of dollars were being printed there.
Check out these unique attractions in the U.S. if you’re a money enthusiast.
1. U.S. Mint
Take a tour of the Philadelphia or Denver facilities to see the coin production process in person. Discover the entire process of making coins, from design to striking. Learn how to make coins and the history behind them. (See Also: Where Are They? The Forgotten Dollar Bills and Coins
2. Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel
You can get a free photo of you standing in front of $1,000,000 in cash in Las Vegas at Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel. Come in to get your picture taken, then come back an hour later to collect your free print. This is a lot of money up close.
3. U.S. Treasury
The main U.S. Treasury building is the third-oldest building in Washington, D.C. It has been renovated and preserved its Greek Revival architecture. The U.S. Treasury has many historical highlights, including the offices of Salmon P. Chase who was Secretary of Treasury during the Civil War and those used by Andrew Johnson after Abraham Lincoln’s death. The marble Cash Room, which was used for Ulysses S. Grant’s 1869 inaugural reception, has been restored in its original appearance. Reservations are required to tour these sites.
4. Wall Street
Wall Street is a financial district in New York City which has been around for more than 200 years. Highlights include:
- New York Stock Exchange is located at the corner of Wall Street & Broad Street
- Federal Hall National Memorial is located at the corner of Wall Street & Broad Street
- Museum of American Finance is located at 48 Wall Street
There are several tour options that you can choose from, including free tours or those under $40. (See also 6 Confidence Inspiring Facts about the Stock Market).
5. Chicago Board of Trade
See traders in action as they buy and trade commodities on the trading floors of Chicago Board of Trade or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Chicago Board of Trade Building was once Chicago’s tallest building. It is still a historic Art Deco landmark, with an observation deck that offers views of Chicago’s skyline. The tour lasts an hour and costs $20 per person.
6. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
This is a great place to visit if you’re curious about the origins of money. Watch as millions of dollars are printed on the floor of a production facility in Washington D.C. The tour includes a film introducing the process and stops at each step of the production that leads to legal tender. A ticket is needed to gain entry. (See also Top 10 Museums to Visit in the U.S.).
7. New York Fed Gold Vault
Fort Knox’s bullion vault is not open to the public, but you can still see tons of gold. The gold vault of the New York Federal Reserve Bank contains approximately 508,000 bars of gold, which weighs 6,350 tons. You can tour the vault and learn more about the Federal Reserve System while you are at the Federal Reserve Bank.
8. Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Interactive exhibits and activities are available at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Learning Center and Money Museum. You can try your hand at bartering and see if your ability to identify fake bills is correct. You can even make your own currency. Learn how the central bank works by taking a tour of the impressive building housing the Cleveland Fed. The admission and tours are both free.
